Abstract: Illuminated jewelry having a fastening mechanism that allows illuminated jewelry to be worn in either an energized or de-energized state. In the preferred embodiment, the jewelry takes the form of a necklace with an illuminated pendant. First and second electrical leads allow the necklace to be worn around the neck of a user. Each of the leads includes a connector at its distal end. Preferably, the connectors are electrical connectors with two coupling orientations. In the first orientation, the circuit is energized and illuminated. In the second orientation, the circuit is de-energized and not illuminated. Thus, the necklace can be worn around a user's neck in either an illuminated or non-illuminated state.

Abstract: A jewelry piece 10 includes a light transparent, ornamental element 20 and a light emitting diode 16 positioned near the ornamental element. A battery case 12 has a side wall 12b having a threaded opening 29 therein providing access to a battery being held within the battery case. A mechanical clasp 14 has an outwardly projecting threaded element 14b adapted to be received in the threaded opening 29. There is a first conductive wire 26 having one end connected to one terminal of the battery and another end connected to the diode 16 and a second conductive wire 30 having one end connected to the light source and another end having a clasp 14. The clasp 14, when partially inserted into the opening 29, completes a loop but does not contact the other terminal of the battery, preventing the diode 16 from being energized. When completely inserted into the opening 29, the clasp 14 makes contact with the other terminal of battery to energize the light source.